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Archer, 23, was impressive in a short stint with Tampa Bay earlier this season, going 0-2 with a 3.86 ERA while filling in for then-injured RHP Jeremy Hellickson. Archer was 7-9 with a 3.66 ERA in 25 starts for Triple-A Durham.

With Rays manager Joe Maddon saying Wednesday RHP Alex Cobb will probably have three starts left, as they try to monitor his career-high in innings workload, Archer provides some flexibility as a spot starter.

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The Tampa Bay Rays will head into the 2015 season with Evan Longoria, Chris Archer, Alex Cobb and plenty of new faces, including manager Kevin Cash. Can they upend the Orioles in the highly competitive AL East? Come here to follow Rays news at Tropicana Field and beyond.